By: Jake Krier, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - Day two of the Sandy Schumacher Memorial Tournament saw the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team get back to their winning ways.
Ending their three-match skid, UW-Eau Claire started out the day with a sweep of Martin Luther College. The Blugolds defeated the Knights by scores of 25-15, 25-14, and 25-20.
After getting out to a fast start of 7-1, Eau Claire let Martin Luther back in it with a 9-2 run. However, they responded with a 13-3 run of their own on way to winning the first set. Another early lead of 10-2 was enough for the Blugolds to cruise to the middle set victory. The third set was certainly closer, but the Knights' late threat was denied.
Against the Knights, Heather Sawchuk (Jr.-Roseville, MN/Cretin-Derham Hall) just missed out on a double-double. Her 11 kills and nine digs were both team-highs. In a match with many battles fought at the net, the Blugolds topped MLC in blocks, led by Madelyn Pashibin's (So-Minneapolis, MN/Minneapolis Southwest) eight total.
The second match of the day was more of the same as UW-Eau Claire topped UW-Superior in straight sets. Scores of 25-20, 25-22, and 25-18 led to the Blugold win.
Leaders from the second match included Sawchuk and Pashibin again with 11 and ten kills respectively. Pashbin posted a noteworthy .692 hitting efficiency. Madison Surprise (So.-Appleton, WI/Kimberly) tallied 31 set assists in the match, while Talia Jaskulske (Jr.-Maplewood, MN/North Saint Paul) led in digs with 15.
The Blugolds look to remain in contention for the regular season Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title as they travel to Menomonie on Wednesday night in their next contest with UW-Stout.
Follow the action for all sports this season on Blugold Game Day.
** All-Tournament Team Selections **
Marissa Ekness – UM-Morris
Shanay Gonder – Northwestern
Nora Holtan – Gustavus
Samantha Jaeke – UWO
Raven Klein – UWRF
Ellie Meyer – St. Thomas
Lindsay Peterson – Northwestern
Katrina Raskie - UWEC
